Exclusive! Saif Ali Khan: When I am with Kareena on-screen, I end up not performing

Bollywood superstar couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan haven’t been seen together in a film after Agent Vinod (2012). The formidable duo has previously shared screen space in a slate of movies such as LOC Kargil (2003), Omkara (2006), Tashan (2008) and Kurbaan (2009). But ever since they tied the knot six years ago, they haven’t teamed up for a project. When we meet the Nawab of Pataudi and pose him this question, he says it has been a conscious decision on his part. He elaborates, “I’ve been saying no to working with Bebo in recent years because I’ve always ensured that there’s a clear demarcation between my personal and professional life. Now, however, the lines are blurring. With my father (Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi) not being around and me being the defacto head of the family, my outlook has changed.”

Pausing for a few seconds, Saif adds, “Bebo and I will work together in the near future, provided the script does justice to both of us. I’m a good enough actor and I’m improving. So, I might be able to actually perform something interesting with her.”

The actor-producer states further that whenever he acts with his wife, he tends to become complacent. Smiling sheepishly he admits, “When I am with Kareena on screen, I end up not performing. I become deferential and slightly boring in the frame. I don’t compete and give enough energy. I kind of play myself, which is bad. If you know the person too well, there’s a tendency to slip into a certain comfort zone. And comfort is the enemy of cinema. Tension is what you want.”